Tagged fish landed in halibut derby

Posted: Tuesday, July 10, 2001

Two tagged halibut were landed by Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby ticket-holders this week, and each fish netted the lucky angler $500.

Leon Higdon of Anchorage landed a tagged fish on July 4 while fishing with Stardust Overnight Halibut Charters. David Abild, also of Anchorage, caught his tagged fish while fishing from his own boat, the Carpadiem, on July 5.

Tom Barkman of Anchorage still leads the overall derby standings with his 322.8-pound fish caught July 1.

The halibut derby will be awarding a new prize this year for anglers who choose to release a big fish. Any angler who releases a fish bigger than 80 pounds, as verified by the boat captain, will be entered into a drawing for $5,000 at the conclusion of the derby.